While school buses are one of the safest ways to transport our children to and from school, there is still the chance that these vehicles and the children getting on and off the bus will be involved in an accident. So, as kids head back to school and the yellow buses return, we must remember that school bus safety is a shared responsibility. It is important that we get a refresher on how to share the road safely.
Lesson 1: Understanding School Bus Signals
School buses have handy signals that indicate what they need fellow motorists to do. So, when you are driving, look out for the following lights.
Red Lights: When you see red flashing lights on a school bus, you must slow down and stop. The bus may also have a stop sign arm, which will extend. You must stop whether you are approaching an oncoming bus or following one. This allows students to leave the bus safely. The only exception to this rule is when the bus is on the opposite side of a two-way highway physically divided by a median. You should only proceed when the red lights on the bus have stopped flashing.
However, you should still watch for school buses loading and unloading children, even if the lights aren't flashing.
Yellow Lights: The yellow flashing lights will warn you when the bus is preparing to stop and students will either be getting on or off the bus.
Lesson 2: Stopping for School Buses
School buses have specific rules and regulations that ensure the safety of students and other motorists. They make frequent stops to let students on and off the bus, and they are also required to stop at railway crossings. It's important for all drivers to be aware of this and be prepared to stop when necessary, even if the bus does not use its flashing red lights.
Failing to stop for a school bus can have serious consequences, both in terms of penalties and the safety of children and other drivers. In Alberta, the penalty for failing to stop and pass a school bus that has its red lights and stop signs engaged is $567 and six driving demerits. It's crucial for all drivers to be aware of and adhere to these rules to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Lesson 3: Safe Driving Practices Around School Buses
Lesson 4: Safety Rules for the Kids
Now that we drivers have had a refresher on safely sharing the road with school buses and pedestrians, we must remind children to be safe on and around the bus.
Everyone is responsible for Ensuring children's safety while riding the school bus. So, as we see the familiar yellow buses return to our streets, it is important to understand school bus signals, adhere to stopping rules, practice safe driving habits around these vehicles, and reinforce safety protocols for children. Doing so creates an environment where our children can safely travel to and from school.
Safe Following & Stopping Distance
It's crucial to maintain a safe following distance when driving behind a school bus. Rear-end accidents are the most common type of accidents involving school buses, with 28 percent of the total being attributed to drivers following too closely. To prevent this, it's recommended to keep a safe distance from the bus, allowing for ample stopping time and space.
Speed Limits
Adhering to speed limits in school zones and residential areas is of utmost importance. Reduced speed limits in these areas are in place to protect the safety of children. Additionally, special attention should be given to speed when following or approaching a school bus, as sudden stops may be necessary.
Pay Attention to Surroundings
Being alert for children who may unexpectedly enter the road is a key part of safe driving, especially around schools and in areas where school buses operate. It's essential to be especially vigilant when children are getting on and off a school bus. Children may not always pay attention to oncoming traffic and know the rules of the road, so it's crucial for drivers to ensure they are alert and prepared to stop if necessary.
Getting to the school bus
- Cross the road at marked crosswalks.
- If there isn’t a crosswalk, cross at a corner.
- If they need to cross in front of the bus, make sure they wait until the bus driver sees them.
- Point, pause, and proceed before they cross the road.
- Stand 10 giant steps back from the road while waiting.
On the school bus
- Listen to the bus driver.
- Stay seated and face forward.
- Put their things under the seat.
- Don’t walk in the bus while it’s moving.
- Keep their head, hands, and arms inside the bus (not out the windows).
- Wait until the bus comes to a full stop before standing up.
Getting off the bus
- Never go behind the bus.
- Walk, never run away from the bus.
- Watch for the driver's signal that it is safe to cross the street.
- Use the Point, Pause and Proceed crossing system when crossing the street.